Elon Musk's Starlink satellites ae falling daily: 120 burned up in January, sparking pollution fears

Super Heavy booster going from hot-staging to tower catch on Starship's seventh flight test. (SpaceX)

As Starlink expands, many satellites are burning up on return. Every night, skywatchers witness stunning fireballs as retired satellites disintegrate. However, scientists worry about the environmental impact of these re-entries.

In January, more than 120 Starlink satellites re-entered Earth's atmosphere. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell noted that four to five satellites burn up daily. SpaceX is replacing the older satellites with newer models. Around 500 of the first-generation Starlink satellites have already reached the end of their lifespan.

SpaceX operates nearly 7,000 satellites to provide global internet coverage. The company plans to refresh its satellite network every five years. While re-entries are planned, they raise concerns about atmospheric pollution.

The most recent reentry prediction data from Space Force has a plus or minus 18 minute uncertainty on the Starlink-5693 reentry time, corresponding to a path from Vanuatu to Honolulu to N Calif. to Milwaukee to NYC to the mid-Atlantic. But...

Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) January 29, 2025

When these satellites burn, they release metallic vapours into the atmosphere. A study in 2023 found satellite debris in aerosols 60,000 feet above Alaska. Scientists fear aluminium oxides from re-entries could harm the ozone layer.

Research shows these oxides increased eightfold between 2016 and 2022. Scientists warn this could alter atmospheric chemistry in unpredictable ways. Despite concerns, SpaceX says its satellites fully burn up, leaving no debris.

Scientists warn space debris isn't limited to Starlink satellites. Studies suggest a 26 per cent annual chance of rocket parts falling. While risks to flights are low, debris could disrupt air travel. Airlines might face additional costs from uncontrolled re-entries.